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   The Union Congregational Church continues their calling to host monthly, fundraising dinners with all profits from these free-will events going to various nonprofits in the Hackensack area.  The next dinner will be hosted Wednesday, May 21 from 5 to 6 p.m.

   One amazing and vital organization is the Family Safety Network (FSN), with their mission being: providing advocacy, support and referral services to domestic violence victims and their families since 1993.  

    UCC, learned that on any given day in the state of Minnesota, 1,975 adults and children are victims of domestic violence and 47.7% of those happen in rural Minnesota. Over the past 12 months, FSN has provided 13,133 services to clients throughout the townships in Cass, Hubbard and Clearwater counties. Their efforts resulted in assisting 703 families: including 60 homeless clients and 151 clients needing emergency shelter. They also provided emergency financial assistance to 516 victims and their children.

   One urgent emerging need that the FSN identified was for a physical shelter plan. With their steadfast determination and focus, FSN is proud to share that they were able to create a program using the Hotel/Motel Voucher Shelter System. As reported on their website, “There are no Domestic Violence Shelters in our service area; this program allows us to provide emergency shelter at the time of crisis and our programs allow us to create a person-centered advocacy plan to move families to housing stability and break the cycle of abuse.” 

   Your delicious dinner includes Sloppy Joes, Cowboy Beans, a fresh salad and homemade desserts crafted by our amazing Tammy Lindberg. Plus, don’t miss out on live entertainment from the Northwoods Acoustic Jam, hosted by the one and only Dick Kimmel! Grab friends and family for a much needed and well-deserved fundraising meal at the Union Congregational Church, located at 401 Lake Ave., Hackensack.

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